10 reasons Carolina Hurricanes can win Stanley Cup in 2017-18

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: A general view of the Stanley Cup trophy is seen being displayed at the Park Theater Retail Store at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: A general view of the Stanley Cup trophy is seen being displayed at the Park Theater Retail Store at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 16: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders plays the puck against Brett Pesce #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes at Barclays Center on November 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 16: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders plays the puck against Brett Pesce #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes at Barclays Center on November 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

2. Slavin and Pesce are a championship pairing

To elaborate off all the young talent that the Canes have on the blue line, it’s hard to believe that Slavin and Pesce do not get more recognition. A lot of that will probably go along with more success from the Canes as an entire team.

However, picturing Slavin and Pesce leading any team through a good playoff push is easy to do. They’re both lock down defenders that Peters can confidently matchup with some of the biggest superstars in the NHL.

Even though Slavin and Pesce could pick up their play a bit right now, they’re still the top defensive pairing, by far, for the Canes. They can also make up for a slow start to the season for fellow defensemen Justin Faulk.

When Pesce missed time while going through concussion protocol, you could easily see the effect it had on the entire defensive unit. He makes a difference each game even if some fans don’t notice it.

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